Page 264 - ShowSight - February 2020

Rhodesian Ridgeback Q & A
“I want that confident pup that moves with their head up, trotting everywhere, even at six weeks old. One that doesn’t run from something new, rather turns to face it, and then decides on the action. One that is not afraid of the slide I put in the pen, and is quick to jump on the bench. One that is respectful of Mom, but may want to talk back at first. Balance with elegance and substance.”
CONCETTA JEZ
I reside in Somers, Connecticut. I am fortunate to have nice acreage for dogs to run and work. Outside of dogs, I am a Registered Nurse working in a Level One Trauma ED, actually we have the highest acuity in the nation come through our doors.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I think increasing popularity is usually unfortunate for most breeds. The long-standing breeders that have worked so hard to preserve the breed as it was meant to be start to become outnumbered by anyone buying a registered animal and breeding it. It is my hope that the Ridgeback as a breed is preserved as they were meant to be, a family dog, service dog, guard dog and companion.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? The average person will recognize a Ridgeback about 50% of the time, however their understanding of the breed is quite limited. They are frequently very surprised to see them wearing a service jacket and working.
What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? I feel that the qualities that make a Ridgeback such a great companion are the same qualities of a hard-working dog with great power and stamina. They are not suited for everyone—no breed is. When placed in the right home they are equally good at keeping up with you on a mountain bike, going to the kids athletic games to watch, sleeping on your couch is preferred. They tend not to like getting cold, wet or dirty. Their intuition is so strong that they make incredible service dogs for people with PTSD and one puppy from each full litter I have goes into service work for a veteran.
The misconceptions about this breed is that they are a tough dog. Just the opposite is true. Yes, they should stand their ground, however not look for trouble. They do not tolerate a heavy hand. They will not bite, they will just quit. They tend to have a long memory.
People have trouble understanding that these dogs need some sort of fenced yard. They are running, hunting hounds, and they will run to chase that deer or bear or fox or whatever. They will return home if not shot, hit by a car or lost. Unfortunately, they are so fast that by the time they stop they may be miles from home. They are an aloof dog and when lost will not go to strangers, rather they hunker down and try to fend for themselves.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I look for my next top show prospect when I whelp my litter. A breeder told me years ago if I loved them when they were first born
and wet, I’ll love them at two. She was so right. If the puppy holds together, then they are ones I keep. I want that confident pup that moves with their head up, trotting everywhere, even at six weeks old. One that doesn’t run from something new, rather turns to face it, and then decides on the action. One that is not afraid of the slide I put in the pen, and is quick to jump on the bench. One that is respectful of Mom, but may want to talk back at first. Balance with elegance and substance. Most important is presence. You will see it very young. It can’t be taught, it just is. It’s that puppy that says, “Look at me, aren’t I special.”
What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? In our breed is a lot of variety and it is often difficult for judges. Sometimes with that gorgeous animal walks in the ring, but different from the rest, the judge is not sure what to do. We have elegant dogs, coarse dogs, dog with bone like a Whippet. What’s correct? If they remember what Annie Rogers Clark always said, “they will be okay.” Breed type, breed type breed type. You should be able to look across the field and know it’s a Ridgeback. Breed type is what separates all the breeds. Judges should not be so quick to listen to new breeders and exhibitors. Maybe their first question should be, “How long have you been in the breed and what have you bred?”
I had a provisional judge one day sure my exhibit was over the standard. In fact that animal was exactly to standard and a huge winning animal, including a BIS. The judge instead asked me about the breed and was sure I was lying. How are they ever going to be outstanding judges if they are not willing to learn from the long- time breeders? They don’t have to put you up, but they should be looking to learn. While judging is largely subjective, there is a stan- dard to follow.
My favorite dog show memory? My most memorial win was when my boy BIS CH Nashira’s Excalibur of Ridgelea, ROM took his first BIS. My mom was there, it was her first time at a show. Exc was my first show dog, from my second litter bred. When they announced, “I’ll have the Ridgeback please”, I just froze. I wanted to say, “This rRidgeback?” It was incredible. He went on to five all breed Best in Shows and #1 RR in the Nation all systems, 1999 along with being #1 Producing Sire.
As Breeder and Handler of four generations BIS RR, my ulti- mate goal is to continue to breed outstanding animals. Mostly how- ever, I want my grandchildren and great grandchildren to have that gorgeous animal that does all they are meant to. They are incredible dogs in the right homes.
262 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020